We’re not surprised. It’s fairly simple to jump onto the python-killing train. All you need is $25 to enter and to take a light online training course. Neither a python-hunting licence nor in-person training is required. The reward is also enticing. A cash prize of $1,500 will be awarded to the lucky murderer who slaughters the most pythons, and $1,000 for the longest one.

We’re not interested in enlisting, but took a gander at the training course [PDF] should future python-hunting opportunities arise.

For the most part, it involves looking at pictures of the Burmese python and pictures of native snakes in order to identify the difference. The Burmese python and other exotic snakes are large, shiny and boldly-marked.